Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations across the United States and Canada celebrate Goodwill Industries Week to highlight the defining principle of the non-profit’s mission — Helping change lives through the power of work. This year, Goodwill Industries Week runs May 5-11.

While the U.S. unemployment rate has hit record lows in recent months, many communities, including San Antonio, still struggle with poverty, homelessness and lack of access to good-paying jobs. As a local workforce development leader, Goodwill San Antonio provides education, skills training, and career services to help people with disabilities and other life barriers gain meaningful employment. With a belief that work provides dignity and purpose for all, despite disability or circumstance, Goodwill transforms donated items into training and employment opportunities for single parents, at-risk youth, veterans transitioning from military service, people with disabilities, those who are reintegrating into society, and anyone who has the courage to change their life.

“During Goodwill Industries Week, we celebrate the stories of those we serve and spread awareness about our mission and its impact in our community,” said Steven Hussain, chief mission services officer for Goodwill San Antonio. “Our impact, however, is only made possible with the support of our generous community through their donations of gently-used household items and their purchases made in our retail stores and online.”

Since being founded in 1945, Goodwill San Antonio’s delivery of services has expanded to include certified vocational education, skills training, employment and other support services through the agency’s Good Careers Academy, Good Career Centers as well as outsourced business solutions through its Business Services operation.

Yet, true to its founding mission, Goodwill San Antonio has remained committed to helping people overcome obstacles so they may realize their potential and live independent lives.

Maria, a single mother of nine children and Goodwill retail employee, had the courage to leave a life shrouded in domestic violence in order to give her children a better future. Maria turned to Goodwill San Antonio who provided an immediate opportunity for employment and child-care assistance while she and her family moved into a transitional living program.

“Enough was enough. I wanted to stop the cycle. This job, this blessing, has enabled me to move forward,” Maria commented.

Maria gained full-time employment with Goodwill and has been provided additional case management support to help build her confidence as well as a plan for the future. Today, Maria and her children are not only thriving, they are reflecting on their journey as they celebrate six months of independent living in their new home with space for each of them to grow.

In 2018, with the help of the community, Goodwill San Antonio:

Provided skills training leading to certifications in high demand career fields for more than 800 adults and youth.

Placed more than 2,300 people into competitive employment, many whom have a significant disability or barrier to employment.

Directly employed more than 1,400 individuals, many of whom would not have been able to acquire employment apart from Goodwill.

To learn more about Goodwill San Antonio’s mission and how you can help build a better future for someone in need in our community, visit goodwillsa.org. #PowerOfWork #GoodwillWeek

About Goodwill Industries of San Antonio

Serving San Antonio since 1945, Goodwill San Antonio is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit social enterprise that helps change lives through the power of work. When you shop at or donate to Goodwill, your purchases and donations help fund education, training and career services to empower people with life barriers to find jobs and secure their future. Together, with the support of our generous community, partners and employers, Goodwill provides employment and related services to people each year in South Central Texas. In addition to operating retail stores, donation stations and Good Careers Centers in San Antonio, Cibolo, Kerrville, Laredo, New Braunfels, Seguin and the surrounding areas, Goodwill operates Good Careers Academies and manages contracts for the U.S. government for services ranging from document management to grounds maintenance.